If you love the rich, indulgent flavors of chocolate, coffee, and hazelnut, then these Mocha Nutella Cupcakes are going to be your new favorite treat. These cupcakes bring together the boldness of espresso, the deep sweetness of cocoa, and the creamy, nutty decadence of Nutella in one perfect bite. With a moist and fluffy mocha-flavored base, a luscious Nutella frosting, and a delightful crunch from hazelnuts, this dessert is simply irresistible.

Perfect for coffee lovers and chocolate enthusiasts alike, these cupcakes are great for birthdays, celebrations, or as a mid-week pick-me-up. Plus, they are easy to make, with just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of coffee in the morning or as a sweet ending to your day, these Mocha Nutella Cupcakes are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up these indulgent cupcakes:

For the Mocha Cupcakes

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	1 ½ cups
Unsweetened cocoa powder	½ cup
Baking powder	1 teaspoon
Baking soda	½ teaspoon
Salt	¼ teaspoon
Granulated sugar	¾ cup
Brown sugar	¼ cup
Eggs	2 large
Vegetable oil	½ cup
Whole milk	½ cup
Strong brewed espresso	½ cup (cooled)
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon

For the Nutella Frosting

Ingredient	Quantity
Unsalted butter (softened)	1 cup
Nutella	¾ cup
Powdered sugar	2 cups
Heavy cream	3 tablespoons
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
Salt	A pinch

For Garnish (Optional but Recommended)

Chopped toasted hazelnuts
Chocolate shavings
A drizzle of melted Nutella

Equipment Needed

To ensure your cupcakes turn out perfect, gather the following kitchen tools:

Mixing bowls – For combining wet and dry ingredients separately.
Electric mixer or whisk – Helps achieve a smooth batter and fluffy frosting.
Cupcake liners & muffin tin – To shape and bake the cupcakes.
Piping bag & frosting tip – For an elegant Nutella frosting swirl.
Cooling rack – Ensures the cupcakes cool evenly before frosting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cupcake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
In another bowl, beat granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil until smooth and creamy.
Add the milk, vanilla extract, and cooled brewed espresso, mixing until fully incorporated.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until you get a smooth batter.

Step 2: Bake the Cupcakes

Fill each cupcake liner about ¾ full with batter.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Nutella Frosting

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
Add Nutella and mix until well incorporated.
Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed.
Pour in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt, then beat for another 2-3 minutes until the frosting is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Frost and Decorate

Transfer the Nutella frosting into a piping bag with a large star tip.
Pipe a generous swirl of frosting onto each cooled cupcake.
Garnish with chopped hazelnuts, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of melted Nutella for an extra touch of indulgence.

Tips and Variations

No espresso? You can substitute it with strong brewed coffee, or for a caffeine-free version, use warm milk mixed with a little cocoa powder.
Nut-Free Option – If you have a nut allergy, swap Nutella for a chocolate spread without hazelnuts.
Extra Moist Cupcakes – Add ¼ cup of sour cream to the batter for even richer cupcakes.
Make it Extra Fancy – Top the cupcakes with a chocolate-covered espresso bean for a sophisticated look.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Mocha Nutella Cupcakes with:

A cup of cappuccino or espresso – The coffee enhances the deep flavors of the cupcakes.
A scoop of vanilla or hazelnut ice cream – Adds a creamy contrast to the rich cupcake.
A drizzle of warm caramel sauce – For an extra layer of sweetness.

Best Beverage Pairings

Pair these cupcakes with:

Latte or Mocha – The creamy texture complements the cupcake’s chocolatey base.
Hazelnut Hot Chocolate – For a rich and nutty indulgence.
Red Wine (like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon) – The deep berry notes balance the chocolate and Nutella flavors beautifully.

Storage and Reheating

Room Temperature: Store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keep frosted cupcakes in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and frost before serving.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Cupcake (Approx)
Calories	320
Carbohydrates	40g
Protein	4g
Fat	18g
Sugar	30g
Saturated Fat	9g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Conclusion

Mocha Nutella Cupcakes are the perfect treat for anyone who loves the rich, indulgent combination of coffee, chocolate, and hazelnuts. The deep mocha flavor of the cupcakes pairs beautifully with the creamy, nutty sweetness of the Nutella frosting, creating an irresistible dessert that’s both sophisticated and comforting. Whether you’re baking these for a special occasion, a cozy afternoon treat, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, they are sure to impress with their moist texture and bold flavors. Plus, the addition of hazelnuts and a drizzle of Nutella makes them as visually appealing as they are delicious.

These cupcakes are easy to make and versatile enough to be adapted to different preferences, whether you want to make them extra rich with sour cream or keep them nut-free with a chocolate-only frosting. Serve them with coffee, wine, or a scoop of ice cream for the ultimate indulgence. Try this recipe, and don’t forget to share your experience—snap a picture, post it online, and let us know how they turned out. Happy baking!